Sir, – I was privileged to have known Paddy Downey, erudite Gaelic games correspondent of The Irish Times from 1962 to 1994. Paddy had a deep love for our native games, as befits a west Cork man. He wrote and spoke of the games with deep respect and near-reverence. He treasured his memories of great games in both hurling and football, as well as his many encounters and interviews with the stars of the day. He also understood that even the best players could have bad days. For that, as well as the quality of his writing, he was deeply respected. Many feared that his retirement would result in a lowering of reporting standards in The Irish Times. But the reading public need not have worried and were soon reassured that all would continue to be well. Seán Moran stepped bravely into Paddy’s shoes and consistently maintained the high standards of his predecessor.He too understood the games and the challenges, physical and emotional, faced by participants. His reporting was objective and enlightening. There is no greater compliment to pay a reporter than to recognise they are knowledgeable and fair. Seán was both.On behalf of all Gaelic games followers, I thank Seán for his years of service and wish him well in retirement. – Yours, etc,MICHAEL GLEESON,Killarney,Co Kerry.